An estimated 6.5 million dogs and cats enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and nearly a quarter of those don't make it out alive, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Unwanted pets are euthanized due to medical or behavior issues, or more commonly, because there aren't adequate resources to rehabilitate and shelter them until they're adopted.

In addition to the ethical arguments, it makes economic sense to save the lives of all unwanted pets. That's the hypothesis of Kevin Morris, an associate research professor in the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work.

Morris studies the economic impacts of animal-welfare programs and policies. Supported by a new $60,000 grant from the WaterShed Animal Fund, he's investigating the economic impacts of no-kill legislation in Austin, Texas—trying to determine whether there are positive economic benefits to having lifesaving, proactive and focused animal-welfare policies.

Graduate School of Social Work - Institute for Human-Animal Connection
Craig Hall - Boettcher Foundation Community Room
2148 South High Street
Denver, CO 80208